Irvine firms helps show off innovation on 2 wheels

Spearheaded by Irvine-based Marketplace Events, the inaugural American International Motorcycle Expo rolled in to Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, where several motorcycle companies used the show to unveil new two-wheeled products.

A trade show fused with a consumer motorcycle show, the five-day AIMExpo is the first new U.S. motorcycle show in decades.

Following are highlights from AIMExpo's opening day.

Since Harley-Davidson terminated Buell Motorcycle Co. in October 2009, Erik Buell Racing has risen like a phoenix to take its place. On Wednesday, the Wisconsin company spearheaded by retired Superbike racer and namesake Erik Buell unveiled its new EBR 1190RX sport bike – a street-legal descendant of the 1190RS Super Bike limited-edition racer introduced at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Shows last December.

Priced at $18,995 and powered with a 1,190 cc V-twin that makes 185 horsepower and 102 pound-feet of torque, the 419-pound 1190RX is designed with a user-friendly, wide torque band that's paired with 21 traction control settings that can be matched to riders' abilities and road conditions.

Like any modern sport bike worth its horsepower rating, the 1190RX's electronic controls can access track data and also inform the rider of the bike's service needs. EBR estimates fuel economy at 40 mpg combined. Production is slated to begin in December at EBR's East Troy, Wis., headquarters.

India's largest maker of motorized two-wheelers, Hero MotoCorp is also a 49.2 percent stakeholder in Erik Buell Racing. During AIMExpo, the company announced plans to introduce “high-quality, high-value, small-displacement motorcycles and scooters” to the U.S., with EBR handling exclusive distribution in North America. Originally founded as a joint venture between Hero Cycles in India and Honda of Japan in 1984, Hero MotoCorp separated from Honda in 2010. In almost 30 years, it has produced about 50 million motorcycles and scooters.

Suzuki unveiled the update of its V-Strom 1000 adventure bike with ABS and, for the first time on a Suzuki motorcycle, traction control. Powered with a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 1,037 cc V-twin mated with a six-speed transmission and new slipper clutch, the 2014 V-Strom 1000 ABS traction control system can be operated in two modes or turned off entirely with the flip of a handlebar switch.

At 503 pounds, the 2014 V-Strom is 17 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, but buyers will be tempted to pack the pounds back on with various accessories. Saddlebags and a top case are available. The patent-pending ratcheting and spring-loaded windscreen, with three adjustable angles and three adjustable screen heights, is stock. Delivery is expected in February. Pricing wasn't announced.

Suzuki also pulled the wraps off a new 200 cc version of its popular Burgman maxi scooters, which have long come in 400 cc and 650 cc displacements. The 2014 Burgman 200 ABS is powered with a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 200 cc single cylinder. Weighing 359 pounds, the 2014 Burgman 200 ABS uses a continuously variable transmission and is belt driven. Pricing and availability were not announced.

Yamaha Motor Corp.'s cruiser division, Star Motorcycles, didn't reveal any new bikes, unless you count the many customized Bolts, including one ridden onto the carpet by racing legend Kenny Roberts. His was customized with a blacked-out exhaust and checkered yellow paint. Another Bolt was customized scrambler style, with retro '70s gold paint, blacked-out race plates and an aftermarket exhaust.